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Who was Joab?

Commander of King David's army

The story of Joab

Joab - Commander of David's army

Commander of David's army

Joab was a military commander and the son of Zeruiah, the sister of King David of Israel. He was one of the most important and powerful figures in David's court and served as the commander-in-chief of David's army. Joab was known for his bravery and strategic military prowess, as well as his loyalty to David. However, he was also known for his impulsive nature and his tendency to act without thinking, which sometimes brought him into conflict with David and others. He was involved in several key events in the biblical narrative, including the capture of Jerusalem and the pursuit of King David's rebellious son Absalom. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Joab was eventually killed by King Solomon, who saw him as a threat to his rule.

Name meaning

Yahweh is father

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

Commander of David's army

First mention

1 Samuel 26:6

Appearances in the Bible

125 mentions

Family

Relatives of Joab

Zeruiah

Zeruiah

Joab in the Bible

Explore all 30 chapters where Joab appears

1 Samuel

Chapter 26

David Spares Saul Again

David encounters Saul again and spares his life for a second time.

2 Samuel

Chapter 2

David's Victory Over the House of Saul

David defeats the remnants of Saul's family and consolidates his rule over all of Israel.

2 Samuel

Chapter 3

The Rise of Absalom

Absalom, David's son, begins to rebel against his father and gains a following.

2 Samuel

Chapter 8

David's Military Campaigns

David continues to expand his kingdom through military conquest.

2 Samuel

Chapter 10

Defeat of Ammon and Syria

David defeats the armies of Ammon and Syria.

2 Samuel

Chapter 11

David and Bathsheba

David commits adultery with Bathsheba and has her husband Uriah killed, leading to tragedy in his household.

2 Samuel

Chapter 12

Nathan's Rebuke of David

Nathan the prophet rebukes David for his sin and pronounces judgment on him.

2 Samuel

Chapter 14

David's Mercy Toward Absalom

Despite his anger towards Absalom, David shows mercy towards his rebellious son.

2 Samuel

Chapter 17

Hushai's Aid to David

Hushai aids David in his flight from Absalom and provides counsel to him.

2 Samuel

Chapter 18

The Death of Absalom

Absalom is killed in battle against David's forces, leading to David's great mourning.

2 Samuel

Chapter 19

David's Return to Jerusalem

David returns to Jerusalem and is reconciled with his subjects.

2 Samuel

Chapter 20

The Rebellion of Sheba

Sheba leads a rebellion against David, but is eventually defeated.

2 Samuel

Chapter 23

The Last Words of David

David speaks his final words, expressing confidence in God's sovereignty and calling on future generations to trust in h...

1 Kings

Chapter 1

David's Charge to Solomon

David charges Solomon, his son, to be faithful to God as he becomes king.

1 Kings

Chapter 2

David's Last Days

David reflects on his life and makes final arrangements before his death.

1 Kings

Chapter 11

Solomon's Apostasy

Solomon becomes increasingly idolatrous, leading to division in the kingdom after his death.

1 Chronicles

Chapter 2

Genealogy of David

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

1 Chronicles

Chapter 4

Descendants of Judah and Simeon

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

1 Chronicles

Chapter 11

David Anointed King, Conquests, and Mighty Men

David becomes king over all Israel, establishing his reign in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles

Chapter 18

David's Military Successes

David's reign, including his administration and building projects, and the reign of his son Solomon.

1 Chronicles

Chapter 19

Ammonites and Syrians Defeated

David's reign, including his administration and building projects, and the reign of his son Solomon.

1 Chronicles

Chapter 20

Capture of Rabbah and Giants Defeated

David's reign, including his administration and building projects, and the reign of his son Solomon.

1 Chronicles

Chapter 21

David's Reign and Reign of His Sons

David's reign, including his administration and building projects, and the reign of his son Solomon.

1 Chronicles

Chapter 26

Duties of Gatekeepers, Treasurers, and Other Levites

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

1 Chronicles

Chapter 27

Leaders of Military Divisions and Civil Administrations

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

Ezra

Chapter 2

Return of the Exiles to Jerusalem

The list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra.

Ezra

Chapter 8

Ezra's Assembly

Ezra assembles the exiles to hear the law and to worship.

Nehemiah

Chapter 7

The Completion of the Wall

The completion of the wall of Jerusalem and the celebration of the dedication.

Psalms

Chapter 60

Finding Strength in God's Victory

Psalm 60 is a prayer of David in which he pleads with God to revive Israel's strength and give them victory over their e...

2 Samuel

Chapter 24

David Enrolls the Fighting Men

David enrolls the fighting men and builds an alter

Showing all 30 chapter appearances